Senator Cooney Calls on NYS Public Service Commission to Take Action Amid Negotiations Between Charter Spectrum and Disney

(ROCHESTER, NY) - Today, Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester), announced a letter calling on the Public Service Commission (PSC) to take action on behalf of Charter Communications (Spectrum cable) customers amidst station blackouts triggered by the company’s broken-down negotiations with Disney.

As a result of these negotiations, Spectrum cable customers in New York have lost access to several popular channels included in their packages including ESPN, which is scheduled to broadcast the Buffalo Bills season opener on Monday, September 11th. 

It has been reported that cable customers who call to complain have been offered a one time $15 credit to their account, the Senator believes all customers should receive this benefit automatically. Senator Cooney has requested the PSC require Spectrum cable provide all customers with a refund or credit for the billing period during which this significant programming change occurred.

Disney-owned channels and stations impacted: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPN News, SEC Network, ACC Network, Longhorn Network, FX, FX Movie Channel, FXX, Freeform, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, BabyTV. Please note: programming within apps, such as the ESPN app, will also be impacted.

My office has received many calls from constituents frustrated by loss of cable channels, and unjustly charged for programming they no longer have access to,” said Senator Cooney. “From local sports fans hoping to cheer on our beloved Buffalo Bills to parents seeking their child’s favorite shows, customers deserve a fair price for what stations remain available. I believe customers deserve a refund for this billing period, and the PSC should consider additional actions dependent on how long blackouts remain in place.”

###